Interventional Cardiology Fellowship

To produce fellows who achieve competency in the performance of a wide range of interventional techniques. Our goal to achieve this AIM is that the fellow will exceed the minimal required for training by 25%. At the mid-point of each academic year the PEC will review the numbers of procedures the fellow has successfully completed to be sure the fellow is on track, and then reviewed at the conclusion of each academic year. If a deficiency is noted the PEC will make recommendations to remedy the deficiency.

To perform procedures and provide care that is clinically effective, guideline based and cost effective. To achieve this AIM the fellow will participate the American College of Cardiology CathSap curriculum and obtain a passing grade in each of the modules. The fellow's progress will be monitored by the PEC to assure compliance and to review deficiencies.

To treat all patients regardless of their socioeconomic background or their ability to pay. To integrate education, research and patient care to attain the highest level of quality in each component. The fellow will complete one QI project in healthcare disparities during his fellowship.

To produce an interventionist who values scholarship and research as a tool to enable them to engage in life-long practice-based learning, critical review and application of new scientific knowledge to their patients and to guide future generations as teachers. To accomplish this, the fellow will either present one abstract or publish one paper during his/her fellowship. The PD will report on the progress of the fellow's research and scholarship and provide a final report at the end of the academic year.

Our program has always prided itself on being on the forefront of the latest techniques and therapies for coronary, peripheral and structural disease. We participated in pivotal trials that established the use of anti-platelet agents in interventional procedures. We were the first in the state to do atherectomy and stenting. We began doing radial artery catheterization in 1999, long before it was practiced in the rest of the country, and we have one of the highest experiences in the country. In other words, we continue to innovate but with high quality and compassionate care.

Today, our fellows get a comprehensive experience in the ever-complex world of interventional cardiology. They are well trained in both radial and femoral intervention and closure. There is ample experience in all coronary lesion types, including stable, unstable and STEMI, as well as CTO lesions. Fellows are exposed to all types of imaging modalities, including, IVUS, FFR, IFR, CT FFR, etc. There is training in all interventional techniques including: stenting, all forms of ballooning, atherectomy, laser, antegrade and retrograde CTO approaches. Fellows also gain experience in peripheral and structural evaluation and management.

Our training program offers an excellent balance between supervision and independence. Our faculty provide a nurturing environment as teachers, coaches and mentors. This environment facilitates stress-free learning and fosters life-long friendships beyond the training period. The camaraderie between fellows and faculty and the focus on the well-being of fellows are the distinguishing features of the Creighton cardiology training program and will be palpable when you visit us.

Experience

Our fellows perform over 500 coronary interventions and are exposed to:

1. All coronary lesion types including: Type A, B, C, stable, unstable, calcified, bifurcation, STEMI, CTO, left main, etc.
2. All types of coronary approaches, including: stenting, all manner of balloons, atherectomy, laser, antegrade and retrograde approaches for CTO
3. All types of coronary evaluations, including: IVUS, FFR, IFR, etc.

Depending on their interest, fellows can develop skills in peripheral interventions of both lower and upper extremities.

1. All peripheral lesion types including total occlusions
2. All peripheral approaches including: antegrade and retrograde, stenting, balloons, atherectomy, and laser.

Depending on their interest, fellows can develop skills in structural heart disease, including: TAVR, Mitral Clip, PFO and ASD closure.

Training Locations

The CHI Health Omaha hospital system includes five hospitals with seven cardiac catheterization labs. Fellows can participate in all procedures at any of the labs. Fellows participate in STEMI call at all of the hospitals.